View Full Version : Travel challenge?
Ultralight
12-18-17, 8:21am
In this year of our Lord, 2017, I have taken two substantial trips. In May I went to Israel and Jordan and I just got back on Friday from Argentina and Uruguay.
In 2018, I would like to travel to two more destinations. I am most open to trips to just one country at a time but I will consider trips that are convenient for a twofer.
But here is what I am thinking:
-I want to go without a cell phone. When I travel I usually borrow an old dinged up iPhone from my BIL. I want to go totally incommunicado for the next trips though.
-I want to take only my REI Daypack (see review on this forum). This pack is pretty dang small.
-I want the trips to be as inexpensive as possible. I tapped out my travel funds and will need several months to replenish the coffers. I contribute to 2 retirement vehicles and I keep a fairly well-resourced emergency fund. But I can still set some more money back for travel, and I will likely have a good-sized tax refund in the spring because I use it like a discretionary spending savings account.
-The trips need to be international (No repeat locations; I have been to Costa Rica, Aruba, Spain, England, Canada, Portugal, Israel, Jordan, Argentina, and Uruguay).
Here is what I ask of you all:
-Suggestions for books on traveling on the cheap?
-Suggestions of places to go (perhaps you went or know someone who did) that fit the bill for my goals above?
-Any other advice or ideas that come to mind?
Thanks! Feel free to be snarky, but real advice is appreciated too! haha
The only snarky thing I would contribute would be: why go without a cell phone? A phone allows you to be more spontaneous, check ahead for lines, change your plans on a whim. Not having a phone would mean all your plans would need to be locked down ahead of time, and you'd have to turn down spontaneous plans.
As far as traveling on the cheap(er), eastern Europe (countries formerly part of the Soviet block) is still relatively affordable I hear. Or you can look into hostels for cheaper accomodations. Hostels usually have a shared kitchen, so you could prepare some of your meals to save money. Picnics are also good for meals on the cheap.
Ultralight
12-18-17, 9:12am
The only snarky thing I would contribute would be: why go without a cell phone? A phone allows you to be more spontaneous, check ahead for lines, change your plans on a whim. Not having a phone would mean all your plans would need to be locked down ahead of time, and you'd have to turn down spontaneous plans.
With a phone this would not be much of a challenge.
As far as traveling on the cheap(er), eastern Europe (countries formerly part of the Soviet block) is still relatively affordable I hear. Or you can look into hostels for cheaper accomodations. Hostels usually have a shared kitchen, so you could prepare some of your meals to save money. Picnics are also good for meals on the cheap.
Good thoughts on this! I will say Albania is way up on my list of destinations. That is sort of Eastern Europe, I think. :)
If I had my wish to do likewise, i would go to one location and stay there to really understand the culture, the mindset that makes that location unique based on its history and the hopes and fears for its future.
EG - i spent 2 weeks travelling around Germany trying to understand the different kingdoms, the divergent culture of each and the impact of the amalgamation to make one country. Former Czechoslovakia would be another. Simply rushing through a country does not do more than dip one's toes in a country. The world to me is a fascinating place.
When in Greece, I asked a tour guide in a private conversation, "where did the story of the blond and blue-eyed Greeks come from?" She was devastated by my question but, in actual visible pain, told me how in their past, the invading Turks raped almost all the females despite families struggling to protect their wives and especially their daughters. There are still some blue eyes but no blondes. Some women always wear black in memory of some horrific experiences years ago.
My question to you, UL, is "have you built up a trust and really talked to the residents of the countries that you have visited to learn their stories or just skimmed through a country?" In fairness, you may have no interest doing this but I have found that everyone has a story to tell that has coloured their life and culture. I am fascinated by these stories.
Consider Ireland. We rented a small cottage near Kenmare. It was a more central location that allowed day trips to sites like the Blarney castle, but evenings spent in a countryside setting. Kenmare happened to have their summer fair going on that weekend too, which was really for the locals and not just a tourist thing, so we felt like we really got a taste of their regular life. It's really true that there is no color green on earth than the green in Ireland (at least, with my limited travel, I agree).
I think going off season in early spring or later fall would make it very doable price-wise.
Float On
12-18-17, 10:09am
Friends just spent 8 weeks in Italy and France with only small backpacks and phones (left the big cameras at home because the camera phones are so good these days). There rented some unusual airbnb places, posted daily on facebook their photos and videos and only bought food and good wine to enjoy and if they bought something it had to be something they could wear (or replace what they packed).
I'm curious how you feel about spending so much on traveling when you have so much in student debt? I know your hoping the work so long/payoff thing works but what if it doesn't? Will you feel guilty for having traveled instead of saving for a big payoff if the plan doesn't pan out?
Williamsmith
12-18-17, 10:22am
I think Float On addresses the issue many will have cross their minds but might not confront you on. It worth putting forth your philosophy. In my own mind, I can justify some mortgage debt and a car loan while at the same time traveling or just buying things that are not necessary so who am I to judge you one that.
I don’t recall, you may have mentioned Leon Logothetisis, he travelled around the world relying on the kindness of others and has an amazing story to tell. I’d like to challenge you to do something like that. If I were in my twenties again, I’d be a high risk for something like that.
iris lilies
12-18-17, 10:24am
Oh I disagree about needing a phone. DH’’s cell phone didnt work anyway in Europe. Unless UL is going to some popular place at peak season, and I doubt that he is, he can always find accomodations although granted, with Air BNB now it is easier for tiny rooms/cheap accommodation and you need web connectivity for that.
We did use wifi in hotels, but that connectivity was not essential to our trip.
UL If you have a yen for Europe, i highly recommend Central Europe such as Bulgaria, Croatia, Transylvania in Romania. I dont know how cheap it is compared to where you have been but it is much cheaper than Western European countries like Switzerland, Germany, and the UK.
Ultralight
12-18-17, 12:14pm
If I had my wish to do likewise, i would go to one location and stay there to really understand the culture, the mindset that makes that location unique based on its history and the hopes and fears for its future.
EG - i spent 2 weeks travelling around Germany trying to understand the different kingdoms, the divergent culture of each and the impact of the amalgamation to make one country. Former Czechoslovakia would be another. Simply rushing through a country does not do more than dip one's toes in a country. The world to me is a fascinating place.
When in Greece, I asked a tour guide in a private conversation, "where did the story of the blond and blue-eyed Greeks come from?" She was devastated by my question but, in actual visible pain, told me how in their past, the invading Turks raped almost all the females despite families struggling to protect their wives and especially their daughters. There are still some blue eyes but no blondes. Some women always wear black in memory of some horrific experiences years ago.
My question to you, UL, is "have you built up a trust and really talked to the residents of the countries that you have visited to learn their stories or just skimmed through a country?" In fairness, you may have no interest doing this but I have found that everyone has a story to tell that has coloured their life and culture. I am fascinated by these stories.
Time and money is limited, so totally diving deep is not really an option.
Though I do learn some historical and cultural things while I am traveling, and beforehand too.
Teacher Terry
12-18-17, 12:14pm
Poland is cheap and really beautiful!
Ultralight
12-18-17, 12:15pm
Consider Ireland. We rented a small cottage near Kenmare. It was a more central location that allowed day trips to sites like the Blarney castle, but evenings spent in a countryside setting. Kenmare happened to have their summer fair going on that weekend too, which was really for the locals and not just a tourist thing, so we felt like we really got a taste of their regular life. It's really true that there is no color green on earth than the green in Ireland (at least, with my limited travel, I agree).
I think going off season in early spring or later fall would make it very doable price-wise.
I have never felt drawn to Ireland, but you do make it sound appealing!
Ultralight
12-18-17, 12:25pm
I'm curious how you feel about spending so much on traveling when you have so much in student debt? I know your hoping the work so long/payoff thing works but what if it doesn't? Will you feel guilty for having traveled instead of saving for a big payoff if the plan doesn't pan out?
Excellent and tough question! I appreciate you having the candor to ask.
I have a massive amount of student debt ($165k). Yes, that is true. But the way the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program works I pay a set amount each month ($250). I pay this every month for ten years. Then the remainder of the loan is forgiven.
I am 3 years in.
If I pay more than $250, then that money goes into a black hole. It does not speed up the PSLF program. I can't finish in less than ten years.
One of the reasons I am a minimalist is so I can do some cool stuff -- like go to Uruguay. I live simply to enjoy doing other things.
Does this make sense? If you have more questions, let me know. I am happy to discuss.
Ultralight
12-18-17, 12:26pm
Poland is cheap and really beautiful!
Tell me more...
catherine
12-18-17, 12:29pm
I have never felt drawn to Ireland, but you do make it sound appealing!
On that note, I have to put in a plug for Scotland. I just saw a 60 minutes piece (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-isle-of-eigg/)on this place, Eigg, which looks awesome. I think you'd find a lot of like-minded people there, simple-living-wise, and language may or may not be a barrier, as long as you understand the weird use of vowels, diphthongs and glottal stops those Scots have.
If you are truly trying to minimize travel costs, and it sounds like you are, I don't see your travel in that much conflict with your debt. I think it's a personal decision. You will inevitably be extending your slavehood, but OTOH, if you can travel cheaply and put valued experiences in the bank, why not?
Float On
12-18-17, 12:44pm
Excellent and tough question! I appreciate you having the candor to ask.
I have a massive amount of student debt ($165k). Yes, that is true. But the way the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program works I pay a set amount each month ($250). I pay this every month for ten years. Then the remainder of the loan is forgiven.
I am 3 years in.
If I pay more than $250, then that money goes into a black hole. It does not speed up the PSLF program. I can't finish in less than ten years.
One of the reasons I am a minimalist is so I can do some cool stuff -- like go to Uruguay. I live simply to enjoy doing other things.
Does this make sense? If you have more questions, let me know. I am happy to discuss.
I think to me it's the math thing and the unknown future. What if the program fails in year 9 and you've only paid 27,000 of your 165,000 debt. What is the percentage of your $250 going towards principal and interest? What if you lose your current job, will a new job qualify or does it start over? Your "black hole" could be a savings account or investments in mutual funds. Then at the end of the 10 years and if all the stars aligned and you actually still qualify for the loan forgiveness that "black hole" fund could be a good kick-ass year spent traveling/living overseas. That would be a cool reward.
I'm not passing judgement or anything. I'd travel if I could (I'm working on some debt payoff myself) but no big trips till I'm done.
Teacher Terry
12-18-17, 12:48pm
Krakow is a beautiful city with many historical buildings, churches, castles, etc. The people are nice and if something costs a dollar here it costs 4 of their currency so your $ goes a very long ways. It is expensive for them to come here. Warsaw was really bombed during the WW wars so lost their historical buildings and were replaced with communist style cement block buildings. WE have also visited some of the smaller towns too. We have been there twice. It is so green it is glowing.
catherine
12-18-17, 12:59pm
Here's Forbes' list of cheapest places to travel to. I personally like the idea of Bali, South Africa, Crete, Vietnam.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2016/11/30/30-cheapest-places-to-travel-in-2017/#77ce7d5324c5
Ultralight
12-18-17, 1:17pm
I think to me it's the math thing and the unknown future.
In many senses, the future is always unknown.
When you are deep inside the student loan crisis you learn all sorts of little details that regular folks are not privy to. So I will try to explain these details, but in ways that don't bore you to sleep.
What if the program fails in year 9 and you've only paid 27,000 of your 165,000 debt.
The PSLF program does not really work this way. Granted, in year 9 it could go poof. That would mean I would go onto the 25 year plan, which means I would pay the $250 (which is based on my income -- income goes up, so does payment; income goes down, so does payment). If it went poof after 9 years, then I would have 16 more years to the 25.
What is the percentage of your $250 going towards principal and interest?
Again, this is not how the PSLF program works. Imagine it this way: It is like paying a fine.
I screwed up and took out way too many loans. The government realizes I am in over my head. They came up with a plan to punish me but not financially burn me at the stake. So they base your fine on your income. And you pay that fine once per month for ten years. Then your punishment is complete and you record is expunged. Make sense?
What if you lose your current job, will a new job qualify or does it start over?
Any government job (Federal, State, County, Local, City, etc.) and any job with a 501c3 with qualify me for the PSLF plan. The job has to be full time, 35+ hours. Let's sat I get laid off from my job for a year. I notify the government at my layoff. My payments get reduced to $0, or a get a forbearance of some sort. Then let's say I get another government job. Okay, I pick right back up where I left off with my PSLF program. But that year I was out of the program would not count for anything.
Your "black hole" could be a savings account or investments in mutual funds. Then at the end of the 10 years and if all the stars aligned and you actually still qualify for the loan forgiveness that "black hole" fund could be a good kick-ass year spent traveling/living overseas. That would be a cool reward.
The black hole I was referring to was if I gave more money to the government than my monthly payment. Remember, my payment is more like a fine. So the rules of debt you are accustomed to just don't apply. Principal and interest and such don't come into play.
I'm not passing judgement or anything. I'd travel if I could (I'm working on some debt payoff myself) but no big trips till I'm done.
If I have more traditional debts -- which I had until about 3 years ago -- I would not indulge in travel. Like when I had my car payment I just paid like crazy and ate rice and beans.
I screwed up and took out way too many loans. The government realizes I am in over my head. They came up with a plan to punish me but not financially burn me at the stake. So they base your fine on your income. And you pay that fine once per month for ten years. Then your punishment is complete and you record is expunged. Make sense?
My mortgage company punished me by forcing me to pay back what I borrowed, with interest. Bastards!
I totally agree with how you are managing the student loans. You are 3/10 done and your traveling makes life worthwhile during this decade of working to get it paid of.
My son spent a month in Vietnam. He loved it. He met locals and spent days with them ... stayed in simple lodgings ... everyone was quite welcoming and he had a great time. Very cheap.
Ultralight
12-18-17, 1:34pm
My mortgage company punished me by forcing me to pay back what I borrowed, with interest. Bastards!
Sorry to hear that.
Ultralight
12-18-17, 1:35pm
My son spent a month in Vietnam. He loved it. He met locals and spent days with them ... stayed in simple lodgings ... everyone was quite welcoming and he had a great time. Very cheap.
Cool! Was it easy to get a Visa?
iris lilies
12-18-17, 1:49pm
Dont do Ireland. The UK is expensive.
vietnam! I have a big yen to see that country.
mschrisgo2
12-18-17, 2:32pm
How about Bulgaria?
I have a friend who was born and raised there. Then she came to the US 22 years ago and settled in the San Francisco east bay area of California, bought a house, paid for it in 15 years with dog grooming wages. Two years ago she decided to go back for an extended visit. Packed up her house and rented it out for a year. Enjoyed staying mostly in the capital city of Sophia, seeing old friends and traveling around to their national parks and monuments, sent lots of very lovely nature and culture pictures. Then decided California is still better and returned! She's been back a year now, and says she feels she made the right decision to come back but she loves to vacation in Bulgaria!
sweetana3
12-18-17, 2:46pm
We recently went to Oaxaca, Mexico. Would be interesting to get to the Pacific coast there and enjoy it because it still is pretty much off the general tourist group list. Oaxaca is a beautiful city that is very walkable, friendly, ultimate in foodie paradise, buses to other small towns with markets and festivals.
He didn't complain about getting the visa - I assume it wasnt a problem.
The Storyteller
12-18-17, 3:49pm
Dont do Ireland. The UK is expensive.
vietnam! I have a big yen to see that country.
https://www.avoyatravel.com/Cruises/Cruise-Details.cfm?AVC_Sail_ID=677006&ref=28444&ccdid=DID172875916&utm_source=Cruise%20Critic&utm_medium=Price%20Compare&utm_term=Meta%20Search&utm_content=Promotional&utm_campaign=Cruise&gclid=&rdirect=t&rtinc=55
Includes da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi.
Williamsmith
12-18-17, 4:30pm
In many senses, the future is always unknown.
When you are deep inside the student loan crisis you learn all sorts of little details that regular folks are not privy to. So I will try to explain these details, but in ways that don't bore you to sleep.
The PSLF program does not really work this way. Granted, in year 9 it could go poof. That would mean I would go onto the 25 year plan, which means I would pay the $250 (which is based on my income -- income goes up, so does payment; income goes down, so does payment). If it went poof after 9 years, then I would have 16 more years to the 25.
Again, this is not how the PSLF program works. Imagine it this way: It is like paying a fine.
I screwed up and took out way too many loans. The government realizes I am in over my head. They came up with a plan to punish me but not financially burn me at the stake. So they base your fine on your income. And you pay that fine once per month for ten years. Then your punishment is complete and you record is expunged. Make sense?
Any government job (Federal, State, County, Local, City, etc.) and any job with a 501c3 with qualify me for the PSLF plan. The job has to be full time, 35+ hours. Let's sat I get laid off from my job for a year. I notify the government at my layoff. My payments get reduced to $0, or a get a forbearance of some sort. Then let's say I get another government job. Okay, I pick right back up where I left off with my PSLF program. But that year I was out of the program would not count for anything.
The black hole I was referring to was if I gave more money to the government than my monthly payment. Remember, my payment is more like a fine. So the rules of debt you are accustomed to just don't apply. Principal and interest and such don't come into play.
If I have more traditional debts -- which I had until about 3 years ago -- I would not indulge in travel. Like when I had my car payment I just paid like crazy and ate rice and beans.
In other words, it doesn’t in the least bit resemble capitalism and has more than a coincidental similarity to socialism. You are beholden to government for most of your productive years. And as long as you work for the government...it’s all good. But maybe you lose your full time job and the economy goes to crap and we go to war with some 3rd world country with rogue nukes and the government runs out of volunteers to fight for Uncle Sam. You think maybe that debt might be held against you are perhaps in exchange for 2 years of service....they might just forgive you again? Just one example but a scary one. Canada might even reject you then.
Ultralight
12-18-17, 4:37pm
In other words, it doesn’t in the least bit resemble capitalism and has more than a coincidental similarity to socialism. You are beholden to government for most of your productive years. And as long as you work for the government...it’s all good. But maybe you lose your full time job and the economy goes to crap and we go to war with some 3rd world country with rogue nukes and the government runs out of volunteers to fight for Uncle Sam. You think maybe that debt might be held against you are perhaps in exchange for 2 years of service....they might just forgive you again? Just one example but a scary one. Canada might even reject you then.
We're a mixed economy -- we have lots of capitalism and a small chunk of socialism. A little more socialism would be nice.
Yes, I am beholden to the gubmint. As you were in many senses and as you still are.
Others are beholden to corporations.
Pick your master.
Either way, I would rather pay this "fine" than pay the whole amount.
And to be honest with myself, I am not especially good at anything (except catching fish and scribbling some words on papers). So even if I did not have this debt, I would likely work for the gubmint anyway, though perhaps in a different capacity.
Also: Your vision of the future seems a bit far fetched. Maybe it is time to write that novel you have always wanted to write. ;)
iris lilies
12-18-17, 5:26pm
He didn't complain about getting the visa - I assume it wasnt a problem.
Vietnam has a big tourism industry.
They love big American dollars and will love A,ericans who want to go there to spend them. We are so lucky to be traveling from the U.S.
frugal-one
12-18-17, 6:31pm
UL... You are wise to travel while you are still young and able to do so. Plus, who knows if the countries you are visiting will be available for travel in later years. I remember traveling to Turkey. I would not do that now. I never have regretted spending money on travel. I cannot tell you what gifts I have received over the years but can regal you with stories of my travel adventures.
I am writing you while on a small vacation right now. To find the lowest flight check Google matrix ITA.
Ultralight
12-18-17, 7:00pm
I would be afraid to go to Vietnam without a cell phone. I was thinking maybe the first cell-free trip could be to a Caribbean Island where English is spoken.
Cheap + international = domestic nations?
Ultralight
12-18-17, 7:31pm
Cheap + international = domestic nations?
Nations not too far, perhaps.
sweetana3
12-18-17, 7:40pm
Frugal-one is absolutely right. We have never regretted our travel. Only wish we had gone to Turkey because in the 90s it was THE place to visit. We got to Egypt between terrorist incidents in 95 I think. Spent a whole day in the Egyptian Museum. Got to England when the trains were still wooden and brass and run by British Rail.
The world keeps modernizing and it is harder and harder to find areas that are still somewhat interesting and not affected by American culture.
Teacher Terry
12-18-17, 8:03pm
It depends what type of travel you want to do. You really can't compare going to Thailand or Vietnam with Europe. Two completely different types of countries. My kids enjoyed many of those countries and I went to Thailand and that is sufficient for me for extremely hot, muggy, buggy countries. They also love Europe. I have been to Europe 4 times and want to go more.
Ultralight
12-18-17, 8:07pm
UL... You are wise to travel while you are still young and able to do so. Plus, who knows if the countries you are visiting will be available for travel in later years. I remember traveling to Turkey. I would not do that now. I never have regretted spending money on travel. I cannot tell you what gifts I have received over the years but can regal you with stories of my travel adventures.
I am writing you while on a small vacation right now. To find the lowest flight check Google matrix ITA.
Thanks! Very cool. Excellent point.
Ultralight
12-18-17, 8:08pm
It depends what type of travel you want to do. You really can't compare going to Thailand or Vietnam with Europe. Two completely different types of countries. My kids enjoyed many of those countries and I went to Thailand and that is sufficient for me for extremely hot, muggy, buggy countries. They also love Europe. I have been to Europe 4 times and want to go more.
Where in Europe did you go?
iris lilies
12-18-17, 8:09pm
I would be afraid to go to Vietnam without a cell phone. I was thinking maybe the first cell-free trip could be to a Caribbean Island where English is spoken.
Why are you afraid of Vietnam without a cell phone? I ask this sincerely.
As for the hot muggy countries, ah yeup. I want to lose 20 lbs before I go to SE Asia. I remember going to Thailand decades ago and I brought the weong footwear. I dont remember what shoes I brought but I was hot and ran out to buy open sandals while
I was there.
Ultralight
12-18-17, 8:13pm
So perhaps a little story about cell phones and travel.
Back in May, on my first night in Israel I got dropped off in front of the building of my Air BNB -- it was a big high rise of apartments. I had no idea where I was, really. The old iPhone I borrowed did not have cellular service. I used it just as a miniature laptop, essentially. But I was away from any free WiFi.
So I could not get a hold of the host. I could not call him. I could not email him.
I could not get into the building.
I was screwed. So I asked a woman walking by to help me. I gave her the little sheet of paper I had with the host's number on it. She called him and straightened it all out.
But had I need someone where a language barrier or with unfriendly locals... things could have gone left real fast.
Williamsmith
12-18-17, 8:26pm
We're a mixed economy -- we have lots of capitalism and a small chunk of socialism. A little more socialism would be nice.
Yes, I am beholden to the gubmint. As you were in many senses and as you still are.
Others are beholden to corporations.
Pick your master.
Either way, I would rather pay this "fine" than pay the whole amount.
And to be honest with myself, I am not especially good at anything (except catching fish and scribbling some words on papers). So even if I did not have this debt, I would likely work for the gubmint anyway, though perhaps in a different capacity.
Also: Your vision of the future seems a bit far fetched. Maybe it is time to write that novel you have always wanted to write. ;)
You might be right. Do I have your permission to included a character based loosely on your life who finally achieves loan forgiveness after ten years only to be told by the IRS that the entire amount of the loan forgiven is considered taxable income and he now owes them $25,000 ...penalties to be accrued immediately?
Ultralight
12-18-17, 8:38pm
You might be right. Do I have your permission to included a character based loosely on your life who finally achieves loan forgiveness after ten years only to be told by the IRS that the entire amount of the loan forgiven is considered taxable income and he now owes them $25,000 ...penalties to be accrued immediately?
Yes, and LOL!
pinkytoe
12-18-17, 10:42pm
I enjoyed going to parts of British Columbia quite a bit and are thinking about some future visits to Mexico. I lived in Mexico when young and would like to spend another summer in San Miguel D'Allende. It is curious to me that the word "travel" is almost always associated with foreign countries. Is America so generic now that there are no places of interest here?
Ultralight
12-18-17, 10:57pm
I enjoyed going to parts of British Columbia quite a bit and are thinking about some future visits to Mexico. I lived in Mexico when young and would like to spend another summer in San Miguel D'Allende. It is curious to me that the word "travel" is almost always associated with foreign countries. Is America so generic now that there are no places of interest here?
Different landscapes in the US, but it is fairly homogenized otherwise.
I met some folks from Colombia when I was in Argentina. They had been literally all over Latin America. They told me that Mexico was their favorite.
Teacher Terry
12-18-17, 11:32pm
In Italy we went to Rome, Venice, Island of Capri, Florence and the Tuscany region. We went twice for 2 weeks each. In Poland we went to Rbynick and Krakow twice for 10 days each. WE like to pick a region and then explore versus trying to see 5 countries in 10 days, etc. Someone mentioned travel in US and we are thinking about taking our RV and 3 dogs and exploring Tennessee, Carolina's, etc as those are places we have never been too. We would not be under any time constraints which will be nice.
mamalatte
12-19-17, 1:07am
Have you considered "WWOOFING"? https://wwoofinternational.org/how-it-works/ It is essentially volunteering on an organic farm 4-6 hours a day in exchange for room and board. Some friends told me about this and said they and other friends have had some great travel experiences doing this. I can't speak to it personally but it sounds interesting. I have also heard of other volunteer opportunities where you do things like count turtle eggs; however, it seems like some of these are more "eco-tourism" and not necessarily low budget, while the Wwoofing I think is a low budget alternative.
Ultralight
12-19-17, 8:38am
How about Bulgaria?
I am googling it now!
Ultralight
12-19-17, 8:40am
In Italy we went to Rome, Venice, Island of Capri, Florence and the Tuscany region. We went twice for 2 weeks each. In Poland we went to Rbynick and Krakow twice for 10 days each. WE like to pick a region and then explore versus trying to see 5 countries in 10 days, etc. Someone mentioned travel in US and we are thinking about taking our RV and 3 dogs and exploring Tennessee, Carolina's, etc as those are places we have never been too. We would not be under any time constraints which will be nice.
Very cool! My parents have a fully loaded camper van. They take it down south and out west a lot. They really like going out west. My dad fishes the rivers and I suspect my mom smokes the mary jane.
Ultralight
12-19-17, 8:40am
Have you considered "WWOOFING"? https://wwoofinternational.org/how-it-works/ It is essentially volunteering on an organic farm 4-6 hours a day in exchange for room and board. Some friends told me about this and said they and other friends have had some great travel experiences doing this. I can't speak to it personally but it sounds interesting. I have also heard of other volunteer opportunities where you do things like count turtle eggs; however, it seems like some of these are more "eco-tourism" and not necessarily low budget, while the Wwoofing I think is a low budget alternative.
I have heard of it, but the idea slipped my mind. Maybe I should revisit it.
funkynassau
6-2-18, 3:00pm
My suggestion is go to Mexico. I've been going there for 15 yrs., in the winter, for 2-3 weeks. Watch for an airfare sale. The smaller, non touristy places are definitely cheaper. Fly to Puerto Vallarta, then hop a bus going north to Lo de Marcos. The bus goes right into town, dropping you off at the zocalo (town square.) The town is small, totally walkable, and there's numerous hotels and restaurants to keep you happy. I've been there 5-6 times and always love it. It's on the ocean with a nice walkable beach. There's beachfront hotels and some more inland which tend to be a bit cheaper. Nothing is more than a 10 minute walk to the ocean. It's peaceful and stress free there. There's a Sat. morning market in town, there's often some event or music in the zocalo in the evenings, live music. I'd be happy to talk to you some more about this if you are interested. It can be a great budget holiday. Google for details, there's youtube videos too.
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